Marine Barracks Washington, D.C.

Marine Barracks Washington, also known as "8th & I," is the oldest active post in the Marine Corps. Located on the corners of 8th & I streets in southeast Washington, D.C., the Barracks supports both ceremonial and security missions in the nation's capital.

The selection of the location of Marine Barracks Washington was of national and strategic interest. President Thomas Jefferson accompanied by the second commandant of the Marine Corps, Lieutenant Colonel William Ward Burrows, searched for a suitable location to station the Marines within proximity to the Washington Navy Yard and within "an easy marching distance of the Capitol."

For questions regarding the Sunset or Evening Parades as well as ticketing or reservations please call the Protocol Office at (202) 433-4073.

To experience the history of Marine Barracks Washington, tours are available on Wednesdays at 10 a.m., at the Main Gate of Marine Barracks Washington, no appointment necessary. There will not be a tour on Wednesday, November 11.

Click here for more information on the evening parade.

"The Officers of the 'Oldest Post.'"

The officers of Marine Barracks Washington meet at the Lincoln Memorial for a group photograph, Oct. 30. (Photo by Cpl. Bobby J. Yarbrough)

News of the Oldest Post

Battle Color Detachment brings Esprit de Corps to ‘Low Country' By Cpl. Jacob H. Harrer Marine Barracks 8th & I Units from Marine Barracks Washington travelled to South Carolina to bring the Battle Color Ceremony to audiences at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort and Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, Aug. 25 and 26. ... (Submitted on: Nov 2, 2009) Full Story
Colonel Truman W. Crawford Hall dedicated at Marine Barracks Washington By Cpl. Jacob H. Harrer Marine Barracks 8th & I More than 400 Marines and guests, including Gen. James T. Conway, 34th Commandant of the Marine Corps gathered at Marine Barracks Washington, Sept. 14, to dedicate Colonel Truman W. Crawford Hall, the new headquarters for the U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps. ... (Submitted on: Nov 2, 2009) Full Story
Washington Wizards host luncheon for Marines, service members By Cpl. Jacob H. Harrer Marine Barracks 8th & I The Washington Wizards basketball players and staff invited service members from the National Capital Region to a luncheon at Morton’s Steakhouse in Washington, Oct. 21. ... (Submitted on: Nov 2, 2009) Full Story
Tyler Toliver: Marine and country music singer By Lance Cpl. Johnny Merkley Marine Barracks 8th & I Tyler T. Toliver is a Corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps, who happens to be a country singer. Toliver brought the crowd ... (Submitted on: Aug 21, 2009) Full Story
Motor T always on Duty at the Oldest Post By Lance Cpl. Johnny Merkley Marine Barracks 8th & I If you have ever seen the Silent Drill Platoon or U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps perform ... (Submitted on: Aug 21, 2009) Full Story
Marines fight through burning pain to qualify as OC spray instructors By Cpl. Jacob H. Harrer Marine Barracks 8th & I On a crisp day, Marines laughed as they practiced takedowns and holds on each other on the athletic field of Marine Barracks ... (Submitted on: Feb 17, 2009) Full Story
Candidates compete for spot on Silent Drill Platoon By Sgt. John J. Parry Marine Barracks 8th & I Selected from among thousands of Marines, less than a fraction of a percent will ever have a chance to march with the U.S. Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon. ... (Submitted on: Feb 15, 2009) Full Story
Enlisted Marine first to receive full honors funeral under new policy By Cpl. Jacob Harrer Marine Barracks 8th & I The first enlisted Marine to be given a full honors military funeral under new Marine Corps policy was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery, Feb. 5. ... (Submitted on: Feb 5, 2009) Full Story
Secretary of Navy wished ‘fair winds, following seas’ in farewell ceremony By Cpl. Chris Dobbs Marine Barracks 8th & I Donald Winter was “welcomed ashore” after a three-year stint as 73rd Secretary of the Navy ... (Submitted on: Jan. 23, 2009) Full Story